Tarn Hut tracks

Lees Valley Road to Youngman Stream Hut

Time: 4–5 hr

Follow the Youngman Stream Track to Youngman Stream Hut.

Youngman Stream Hut to Tarn Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min

From Youngman Stream Hut, cross the Ashley River and follow the track as it climbs a ridge to the summit of Lillburn Hill.

There are spectacular 360-degree views from Lillburn Hill over the foothill forests to Christchurch and the Port Hills beyond.

Tarn Hut is a further 20 minutes along the spur south-west of Lillburn Hill. It is sited next to a small picturesque tarn in open alpine grassland.

Lees Valley Road to Tarn Hut via Lillburn Route

Time: 4 hr 30 min

Lillburn Route provides an alternate access to Lillburn Hill summit and Tarn Hut.

The route turn-off is signposted from Youngman Stream Hut Track approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from the start of the track at the locked gate. The unforgiving route climbs very steeply up a ridge to the summit of Lillburn Hill for 1 hour 30 minutes. Tarn Hut is a further 20 minutes on from the summit.

Tarn Hut

From Oxford, follow Ashely Gorge Road for 6 km. Turn into Lees Valley Road and follow this for 29 km to a sign and locked gate that indicates the track. It is foot access only from this point. Follow this marked track for 3.5 km to a locked gate, keep to the marked track as this is private farmland.

NZTopo50 map sheet: BV22 (Dampier Corner)

Caution around cattle

Access to the Youngman Stream Track from Lees Valley Road is through a working cattle station.

By accessing this track you are acknowledging that you are entering a working station at your own risk. There will be general hazards related to farming and dangerous cattle may be present.

Do not disturb stock and proceed with caution. Email themuster@grasslands-llc.com for further information.

Close to Tarn Hut you can find vegetable sheep. These unusual, squat, hardy plants have adapted to survive the harsh alpine environment by forming dense, flat cushions over rocks.